The Diabetes Cost Problem
Diabetes is the most costly chronic condition for most employer health plans. The average annual healthcare cost for an employee with diabetes is $12,000–$20,000 — 2–3x the cost for a non-diabetic employee. Uncontrolled diabetes (HbA1c >9%) generates 2–3x the cost of controlled diabetes (HbA1c <7%).
Evidence-Based Diabetes Management
- Medication adherence support: Automated refill reminders; reduced cost-sharing for diabetes medications
- Lifestyle coaching: Nutrition, physical activity, and weight management support
- Care coordination: Coordination between primary care, endocrinology, and other specialists
- Remote monitoring: Connected glucometers that transmit data to care teams
- HbA1c testing: Regular testing to monitor glycemic control
- Complication screening: Annual eye exams, foot exams, and kidney function tests
Diabetes Prevention Programs
IQ Insight
The CDC-recognized Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) reduces diabetes incidence by 58% in pre-diabetic participants. The program is a 12-month lifestyle intervention that focuses on weight loss, physical activity, and healthy eating. The DPP is available through multiple vendors and is covered by Medicare — and many commercial plans cover it as well. For employers with high rates of pre-diabetes, the DPP is one of the highest-ROI investments available.